By Patrick Schmidt. Kurdish security officials report that the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL) has once again used chemical weapons against its forces. The IS used chlorine gas twice against the Peshmerga outside of the city of Tikrit. The militants have used the gas before against the Peshmerga. The last reported gas attacks by the […]
Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of KRG Department of Foreign Relations today received Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and his accompanying delegation to discuss latest developments and bilateral ties. Minister Mustafa briefed the Vice-Minister on the military, humanitarian, and economic challenges facing the Kurdistan Region as well as the political process […]
By John Lee. Militants from the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL) have reportedly destroyed ruins at the ancient city of Hatra, 110km (68 miles) south-west of Mosul. The UNESCO world heritage was founded during the Parthian Empire over 2,000 years ago. "The destruction of Hatra marks a turning point in the appalling strategy of cultural […]
By John Lee. The Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL) has bulldozed the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud (Kahlka), which lies about 30km (18 miles) south-east of Mosul. The city was founded more than 3,300 years ago and was one of the capitals of the Assyrian empire. Its frescos and works are celebrated around the world […]
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi promised to safeguard the country's heritage, especially after ISIL destroyed ancient statues in Mosul. Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf reports from Baghdad.
According to casualty figures released by UNAMI, a total of 1,103 Iraqis were killed and another 2,280 were wounded in acts of terrorism and violence in February*. The number of civilians killed was 611 (Including 30 civilian police), and the number of civilians injured was 1,353 (including 29 civilian police). A further 492 members of […]
The United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Lise Grande, along with Neill Wright, the country’s UN refugee agency (UNHCR) representative, today visited Iraqi families recently displaced from Al Baghdadi district in the western province of Anbar. “The situation facing these families is very worrying. They have been under siege for days and […]
By Fazel Hawramy for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. "How are the skies?" a gruff voice asks in Iraqi Arabic dialect. "The skies are clear," is the reply, after a crackle of static on the walkie-talkie through which a Kurdish major is listening to […]
In the context of his visit to Britain, Minister Falah Mustafa, the Head of KRG Foreign Relations met with Tobias Ellwood, Middle East Minister at the Foreign Office, and during their meeting both sides discussed the current situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and the threats of the terrorist organization of Daesh. The Head […]
By Mushreq Abbas for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Contradiction prevails in official announcements regarding the course of the battles against the Islamic State (IS) and the group's movements on the ground. When Iraqis were expecting a Mosul liberation battle, IS rushed to send […]
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Hassakeh province borders territory controlled by ISIL across the border in northwestern Iraq. An important supply line that ISIL use to move from its so called capital runs through there. Al Jazeera's Zeina […]
The Defense Department has expedited $17.9 million in equipment and supplies –- some which have already been delivered –- to the Iraqi government, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters on Tuesday. Warren provided a general update on equipment and supplies authorized for delivery to the Iraqis. “This was a $17.9 million [Foreign Military […]
